Timelapse Videos

For All Occasions

Timelapse videos are a powerful tool in video production, offering a visually engaging way to show processes that occur over an extended period in a condensed format. They allow viewers to witness transformations, such as the construction of a building or the movement of natural landscapes, in just a few seconds or minutes. This technique can create a sense of progression and achievement, making it particularly valuable for projects like construction, events, or environmental changes. Timelapse videos add dynamic storytelling elements to a production, providing both context and a sense of scale, while enhancing viewer engagement with striking visuals that might otherwise be missed in real time.

In 2006, during the construction of the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, Crystal Pyramid Productions utilized a compelling timelapse video in a construction update presentation aimed at potential buyers. The hotel, which was built on a prime downtown parking lot reportedly sold for a million dollars, transformed the area into a vibrant destination. While our team did not film the original timelapse, the footage was instrumental in illustrating the rapid progression and potential of this stylish development, effectively showcasing the transformation from a simple parking lot to a trendy hotel hotspot in the heart of San Diego. This visual documentation played a key role in engaging and informing investors about the exciting opportunities that the new Hard Rock Hotel presented.

In 2007, during the devastating San Diego fires, Crystal Pyramid Productions captured a remarkable timelapse video of the Otay Landfill construction. Directed by Mark Schulze, the team strategically placed the camera inside a wooden shack, which not only provided a clear vantage point over the construction site but also survived the surrounding fires. This setup allowed us to record the ongoing development of the landfill and the dramatic encroachment of smoke from the fires, showcasing our ability to deliver high-quality timelapse videography under extreme conditions.

In 2015, Crystal Pyramid Productions skillfully captured the assembly of the world’s largest bouquet of purple tulips at Liberty Station, San Diego, using two GoPro cameras mounted on ladders for a dynamic timelapse video. This event, orchestrated by AstraZeneca to raise awareness for lupus, was meticulously recorded, showcasing the careful placement of thousands of purple tulips. The elevated perspective provided by the ladder-mounted GoPros offered a comprehensive view of the large-scale floral arrangement, effectively highlighting its beauty and the symbolic significance of each tulip in the broader context of lupus awareness.

FLIP, the FLoating Instrument Platform, is one of oceanography’s most unique research vessels—an enormous barge that “flips” vertically in the open sea to become a stable platform for deep-water studies. Director of Photography Mark Schulze captured this extraordinary transformation in stunning detail, documenting the rare moment when FLIP tipped from horizontal to vertical during a mission off the California coast. Using traditional video equipment topside and a GoPro camera positioned inside the vessel, Schulze also recorded a time-lapse sequence that reveals the eerie, slow-motion ballet of furniture and fixtures pivoting with the ship as it rotated 90 degrees. His footage offers a rare glimpse into the elegant mechanics of a marvel of marine engineering, blending cinematic storytelling with scientific wonder.

Creating a timelapse video involves capturing a series of images or frames over a long period at specific intervals and then playing them back at a faster frame rate, giving the appearance of sped-up time. To begin, set up a stable camera on a tripod in a fixed position, ensuring it has a clear and consistent view of the subject. Adjust the camera settings, like exposure and focus, to account for potential changes in lighting conditions, especially if shooting outdoors. Using an intervalometer or the built-in timelapse mode on a camera, capture frames at regular intervals, which could range from seconds to minutes depending on the length of the process being filmed. Once the footage is collected, use editing software to compile the frames into a video, adjusting the playback speed and adding any desired effects, such as transitions or overlays, to enhance the final product. Proper planning and attention to detail are key to producing a smooth, captivating timelapse video.

Crystal Pyramid Productions stands out as San Diego’s premier video production company for timelapse video due to its extensive experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and expertise in capturing visually stunning and technically precise footage. With over four decades in the industry, we have honed our craft in various filming techniques, including timelapse, ensuring we can expertly manage projects that require long-term shooting with precision and attention to detail. Our skilled team, led by award-winning videographers like Mark Schulze, ensures that every timelapse project is executed with professionalism and creativity, capturing the essence of transformation in a way that keeps viewers engaged. Whether it’s documenting construction, environmental changes, or events, Crystal Pyramid Productions delivers high-quality, compelling visuals that make them the top choice for timelapse video production in San Diego.